Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

17 Friendliest Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Share

Scottish fold cat with siamese cat are sitting_Witsawat.s_shutterstock

We’ve all heard horror stories of people who bring cats into their homes that simply want nothing to do with them. You try to convince the cat to play with you or let you pet them but they want no part of it. Luckily, that doesn’t have to always be the case. Yes, there are cats out there that enjoy the company of people. You’ll even find that some prefer being with people. Take a look below at the 17 friendliest cat breeds so you can find the perfect feline partner for you.

divider 1 paws

The 17 Friendly Cat Breeds

1. Maine Coon

ginger-Maine-coon-cat-on-the-balcony
Image Credit: Meriluxa, Shutterstock

As the largest domestic cat breed, Maine Coons look a bit intimidating but are one of the friendliest breeds out there. These lovable balls of fluff are big babies that love spending time with their owners. You can even have adventures with these kitties as they love the water and doing whatever you’re up for.


2. Ragdolls

Ragdoll British Shorthair
Image Credit: Bianka Kovacs, Shutterstock

Nothing is more adorable than the blue-eyed Ragdoll cat. These kitties love their owners and are known for following them around the house in the same fashion as a dog. Ragdolls even enjoy being carried around. This breed got their name due to the way these cats go limp in their owner’s arms when being held.


3. Abyssinian

abyssinian cat resting in carpet
Image Credit: tsapenkodg, Pixabay

Also known as the Aby, Abyssinians are a cat breed that hails from Ethiopia. The different colored hair bands of these cats are quite unique. What’s even more appealing is their reputation of being the class clowns of the cat world. These are some of the friendliest cats around and love to have fun.


4. Burmese

burmese cats lying on sofa
Image Credit: Sergey Neanderthalec, Shutterstock

The Burmese are a close relative of the Siamese. These cats are quite loving and friendly. They are known to be people-oriented. They even enjoy playtimes and hang onto their kitten-like tendencies well into their adult years.


5. Birman

Birman cat kitten with beautiful blue eyes lying on the floor
Image Credit: Daydream Photographie, Shutterstock

The Birman is a beautiful colorpoint cat breed with blue eyes. These cats are known for being very calm, cool, and collected. Birman are friendly cats that enjoy their humans but like to watch their surroundings from high perches. Oddly, these cats nearly went extinct during World War II but were rejuvenated by breeders.


6. Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex kitten
Image Credit: Elena Loginova, Shutterstock

Considered a new cat breed, the Cornish Rex originated in the United Kingdom in the 1950s. These cute kitties are hairless yet covered in a fine downy fuzz. They are also known as cuddlers that prefer lying with their owners and being affectionate.


7. Chartreux

Chartreux
Image Credit: congerdesign, Pixabay

Hailing from France, the Chartreux is a rare cat breed with short legs and strong bodies. These cats are great with people and children. They are even playful throughout most of their lives. When you look at these cats, the shape of their heads even makes you think they are smiling.


8. Manx

manx-lying-on-the-floor
Image Credit: TheMetalDroid, Shutterstock

The Manx is often known for their lush, prized coat. There’s more to these cats, however. Manx are very family-oriented cats. They bond closely with their families but aren’t very open to strangers.


9. Exotic Shorthair

Exotic-shorthair-cat-focusing-in-the-foreground
Image Credit: Wutlufaipy, Shutterstock

The Exotic Shorthair is often compared to the Persian thanks to the shape of their head and their large eyes. These cats are quite friendly and gentle. They are also a very playful cat breed at times. However, due to their tendency to bond with their owners, these cats aren’t fans of being left alone.


10. Persian

Persian cat and a pile of shedded cat hair
Image Credit: DreamBig, Shutterstock

We’ve mentioned the Persian, so let’s take a look at these beautiful and friendly cats. Having been around for the last 400 years, Persians are a popular breed with thick fur. These cats enjoy lounging around the house with their owners and can be playful friends to the household.


11. Munchkins

white munchkin cat outdoor
Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock

All of us know the Munchkin breed and their adorable short legs. But did you know these cats are open, friendly, and enjoy their owner’s company? They also have lots of fun playing and rushing around the house.


12. Russian Blue

Russian Blue Cat eating
Image Credit: slawomir.gawryluk, Shutterstock

This breed’s name gives away their origin and color. However, they are also extremely intelligent and friendly. Russian Blues can remember faces. If they like you, they’ll rush to greet you.


13. Ragamuffin

Ragamuffin cat hiding
Image Credit: Ryo Nagashima, Shutterstock

The name may give away the fact that Ragamuffins are a bit lazy. Yes, these gorgeous cats that come in many colors prefer lounging around to being active. The thing is, they also prefer to do this lounging with you.


14. Scottish Fold

orange scottish fold with striped bandana
Image Credit: Kajohnwat Srikulthanakij, Shutterstock

These adorable cats are known for having ears that fold. What you may not know about them is just how precious and affectionate they are. Yes, Scottish Folds are loving cats that enjoy their owner’s company.


15. Siamese

Seal Point Siamese cat standing on white background
Image Credit: Nynke van Holten, Shutterstock

The Siamese is easily one of the best-known cats in the world. These pointed cats have a popular look, but did you know they also love people? It’s true. Siamese are known for being loving and affectionate with their owners.


16. Sphynx

sphynx cat with curly tail
Image by: Igor Lukin, Pixabay

The Sphynx is a popular hairless cat that is constantly struggling to get warm. This makes them huge snugglers. Sphynx love cuddling under blankets and spending time anywhere with their owners. Yes, body heat helps with the warming. If you have a Sphynx, be prepared to have these cats on your lap constantly.


17. Somali

somali cat with green eyes
Image Credit: Louno Morose, Shutterstock

A distant relative of the Abyssinian, the Somali has a bushy tail and looks a lot like a fox. What makes these cats even more unique is that each strand of hair has 20 different colors on it. These cats are extremely loving of their owners. More often than not, they try to stay within only a few feet of where their owners are.

divider 1 paws

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a loving and friendly cat, the 17 on this list are the perfect candidates. Each of these cat breeds has something unique that will draw you to them. What they all share, however, is their friendly nature and love of their owners.

See Also: 


Featured Image Credit: rossiaa33, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

Chatting About the Importance of Spaying/Neutering, Cat Retail Shopping Ban & Red-Level Storms | Chatty Cattys, Episode 30

In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Nicole and Dr. Karyn are celebrating a major legal win for pets before diving into...

Is Your Cat Happy? Here’s How You Can Tell

Cats have a reputation for being indifferent, even inscrutable. But despite their seemingly ambivalent appearance, cats experience many emotions, including happiness, and they...

Human Brains Age Like Cats – New Study Debunks the 7-Year Rule

If you’ve ever caught your senior cat staring blankly at a wall, wandering the halls at 3 am, calling out for no clear...

Chatting with Devin About Here! Have a Kitten, Fostering, & Why Two Are Better Than One | Chatty Cattys, Episode 29

In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Nicole & Dr. Karyn sit down with Devin, the founder and one-woman show behind “Here...

More related

Are Scottish Fold Cats Affectionate? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

There are few things in this world that are better than having a pet to love, except maybe when that pet reciprocates your...

Siberian Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The Siberian cat is an anomaly. After all, the ancestor of our pets is the African Wild Cat (Felis silvestris lybica), which isn’t...

10 Best Cat Beds to Put on a Desk in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats are notorious for lying in the worst spots, like on top of the computer or right on the keyboard. Whether it’s because...

Why Are Tabby Cats So Vocal? 10 Vet Reviewed Reasons

Figuring out why your cat is meowing is a process of elimination. They meow to communicate with you, and your job is to...

Keep reading

My Cat Ate a Poisoned Mouse! Crucial Vet Reviewed Next Steps

Cats are natural predators. They love to hunt toys, bugs, and small animals if they get the opportunity. Many people have cats as pets for companionship and to help protect their homes from rodents and other pests (like cockroaches). Not...

My Cat Ate a Poisoned Mouse

How To Reduce Cat Shedding: 7 Proven Methods

Unless you have a hairless breed like a Sphynx, as a cat owner, dealing with shedding and loose hair is just part of your life. While you can’t stop the fact that cats create hair, you can do something to...

hand holding cat shedded hair

Can Cats Eat Ferret Food? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts

The latest figures from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimate that 326,000 American households include at least one ferret.1 Many families have more than one pet, which may lead you to ask: Can cats eat ferret food? While felines...

Can Cats Eat Ferret Food

Can Cats Eat Bugs & Insects? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Facts

Your kitten locks eyes on an unassuming fly. They wiggle their tail and slightly raise their hind legs in anticipation. Then suddenly, when the fly least expects it, they pounce and pin it down between their paws—snack time! At least,...

Catster_Can Cats Eat Bugs & Insects_v1_Dec 3 2024

8 Best Automatic Cat Feeders in Canada in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Automatic cat feeders are a convenient way to feed your cat. They might seem like gadgets designed for lazy cat owners, but they can actually be very helpful. Cats do best when fed on a schedule, and automatic feeders can...

cat eating food from automatic feeder

Why Does My Cat Keep Getting UTIs? 7 Vet Reviewed Reasons

Although feline urinary tract infections (UTIs) aren’t common in cats, it can be terrifying if one strikes your feline companion. While UTIs are technically caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, bacterial UTIs are quite rare. Most cats with difficulty...

brown cat peeing

How Do I Calm a Cat Down for a Bath? 6 Vet-Approved Tips to Try

Oh, the dreaded cat bath time. Thankfully, this process will only be necessary on exceptionally rare occasions, perhaps even never throughout your cat’s life. We can admit that we’re grateful for their stellar self-grooming abilities, but your cat may need...

Bubble bath a small gray stray cat

Social Pets CBD Hemp Oil Review (2026): Pros, Cons & Verdict

Social CBD manufactures a variety of products containing cannabidiol (CBD), a natural plant compound that’s been in the news a lot in the last decade. CBD is the second most prevalent active ingredient in marijuana and is derived directly from...

Social Pets CBD Hemp Oil

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.